Philippi-Hagenbuch Inc, a global leader in off-highway truck customisation, has “revolutionised” a new version of their Autogate® Tailgate – a PHIL innovation unveiled 50 years ago specifically for Komatsu rigid frame trucks. With its introduction in 1969, PHIL’s Autogate Tailgate was the first commercially available tailgate and it says has since become the de facto standard in off-highway truck tailgates utilized in quarries and mines around the world. PHIL unveiled this newest version of the Autogate Tailgate at the 2019 AGG1 Academy & Expo.

“The new design reflects PHIL’s commitment to keep pace with client feedback and constantly innovate new ideas to maximize efficiency and minimise maintenance on the ever-changing models of off-highway haul trucks available. PHIL’s new Autogate Tailgate for Komatsu rigid frame trucks is designed with a traditional outrigger that bolts to the undercarriage of the off-highway truck. This new design does not require any welding to the frame, allowing operators to retain Komatsu’s original OEM truck frame warranty. The design’s new ‘banana superstructure’ provides the stability, quality and structural integrity that Philippi-Hagenbuch is known for without sacrificing best-of-class opening clearance at full dump. The new design minimises frustrations of end-user service departments concerning premature tailgate chain wear and roller-box maintenance found previously on tailgates designed for Komatsu rigid frame trucks.”

As with PHIL’s entire line of Autogate Tailgates, a three-year warranty is standard when installed with PHIL Installation Supervision Assistance or at their Peoria, Illinois factory. Optional body seals, fluidic seals and cushion pads are available to further customise PHIL’s Autogate Tailgates for unique applications. When capacity is a concern, the PHIL Autogate Tailgate for Komatsu rigid frame trucks can also be built up for sideboards. Sideboards are available in one-inch increments from 6-inches to 40-inches in height and provide a unified body height while increasing the volumetric capacity of the truck body, helping operators achieve optimal loads.

The newest Autogate Tailgate and its full slate of options are available for order on Komatsu HD405-8, HD465-8 and HD605-8 haul trucks. Retrofit kits to convert legacy tailgates for Komatsu HD series rigid frame trucks in -5, -7 and -7EO models will be available in late spring 2019.